Shingle system and method

ABSTRACT

A barrier, such as a PV module, is secured to a base by a support to create a shingle assembly with a venting region defined between the barrier and base for temperature regulation. The bottom edges of the barriers of one row may overlap the top edges of the barriers of another row. The shingle assemblies may be mounted by first mounting the bases to an inclined surface; the barriers may be then secured to the bases using the supports to create rows of shingle assemblies defining venting regions between the barriers and the bases for temperature regulation.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is related to the applicant's following U.S. patent applicationsfiled on the same date as this application: Shingle Assembly, Ser. No.10/078,918; Shingle System, Ser. No. 10/078,916.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

This invention was made with government support under DOE SBIR contractDE-FG03 99 ER82862 awarded by the Department of Energy. The governmenthas certain rights in this invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Roofing shingles come in two primary types. A first type is typicallyflat and is designed so that there is a generous amount of overlapbetween adjacent shingles to create weather resistant joints to helpensure weather tightness. This first, edge-overlapping type may beflexible, such as the common composition or asphalt shingle, or it maybe rigid, such as slate or some concrete shingles. A second type ofroofing shingle has interlocking edges to secure the edges to oneanother and to help create effectively weather resistant joints toprovide the desired weather tightness. The interlocking edges of thissecond, edge-interlocking type may, for example, have generally U-shapededges creating lap joints, may have standing seam type of interlockingedges, or may have batten seam type of interlocking edges, or acombination thereof. A great deal of research has gone into the designof these interlocking edges. Shingles may be secured to the roofingsubstrate using, for example, adhesives or mechanical devices such asclips, which engage the edges of the shingles, and roofing nails, whichsecure the clips and/or the shingle itself to the roofing substrate.ATAS International, Inc. of Allentown, Pa. manufactures various types ofinterlocking metal shingles, including shingles having interlockingedges along all four sides. Owens Corning of Toledo, Ohio also makesinterlocking metal roofing panels sold under the trademark Mira Vista®.

The widespread use of photovoltaic (PV) systems mounted to homes,businesses and factories is generally considered to be a desirable goal.Several factors are believed to be critical to the acceptance of PVsystems, in particular by the individual homeowner. Primary among thefactors are cost and aesthetics. One way of addressing both cost andaesthetics has been through the use of photovoltaic shingle assemblies.One way such shingle assemblies address the cost issue is by being usedas a replacement for conventional shingles, preferably using similarmounting techniques. The aesthetic issue has begun to be addressed bythe use of photovoltaic assemblies in the form of shingles or roofingtiles having similar configurations and dimensions as conventionalshingles or roofing tiles, and by the use of appropriate colors andreflecting characteristics to help provide an aesthetically pleasingvisual appearance to the roof or other building surface. See, forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,408. However, photovoltaic shingle systemshave not been as widely accepted as hoped-for because 1) PV mountedintegrally with the building roof as shingles operate at highertemperatures, causing a reduction in PV electrical output due to aninverse relationship between temperature and PV efficiency; 2) the samehigher operating temperatures approach or exceed the upper limit of thewarranted PV operating temperature (typically 80 degrees C.) and serveto shorten the useful life of the PV shingle; 3) some products call forelectrical connections between shingles to be made under the roof deck,requiring holes to be drilled through the roof deck which increases thelikelihood of water leaks; 4) there has been poor aesthetic match of PVshingles in conjunction with the non-PV areas of the roof; 5) some PVshingles have been limited to amorphous silicon PV technology, whichsuffer from a low operating efficiency; and 6) the value of the PVshingle has typically been limited to the electrical output of the PVplus the material value of displaced conventional shingles when theproduct displaces conventional shingles.

See U.S. Pat. Nos.: 3,769,091; 4,001,995; 4,040,867; 4,189,881;4,321,416; 5,232,518; 5,575,861; 5,590,495; 5,968,287; 5,990,414;6,061,978; and 6,111,189. See also EP1035591A1; and WO96/24013.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the invention is directed to a shingle system, for useon an inclined surface, comprising a plurality of shingle assemblies. Atleast some of the shingle assemblies include a water resistant base anda barrier, such as a PV module, having top and bottom edges and securedto the base by a support to create the shingle assembly. The shingleassembly defines a venting region between the barrier and base fortemperature regulation. The bottom edges of the barriers of a first rowof shingle assemblies overlap the top edges of the barriers of thesecond row of shingle assemblies.

A second aspect of the invention is directed to a method for mountingshingle assemblies to an inclined surface. A shingle assembly, includinga barrier, a base and a connecting support for securing the barrier tothe base, is selected. A plurality of the bases are mounted to thesupport surface in a shingled manner so that the bases of one rowpartially overlie the bases of an adjacent row of bases. The selectingand mounting steps are carried out so that the rows of basesweatherproof that portion of the support surface covered thereby.Thereafter, a plurality of the barriers are secured to the bases usingthe connecting supports to create rows of shingle assemblies definingventing regions between the barriers and the bases for temperatureregulation.

Various aspects of the present invention provide significant advantagesto the user. A primary advantage relates to temperature regulation, thetemperature regulation being achieved in part by the use of a ventingregion between the barrier and the base. The provision of a ventingregion helps reduce the temperature of the PV module, when the barriercomprises a PV module, which helps to increase the efficiency of the PVmodule over the efficiency of a PV module mounted to a support surfacewithout a venting region. This reduction in temperature under typicalsummertime operating conditions in central California, such asSacramento, has been found to be about 20°C., representing about a 10percent increase in PV efficiency. This increase in efficiency helps toreduce the cost per unit energy for the system. The use of a ventingregion also helps to reduce the temperature of the support surface,typically the roof of a building. This reduction in temperature canresult in very significant reductions in the air-conditioned system loaddue to a substantial reduction in heat gain through the roof. Thecalculated reduction in an air conditioning system load due to heat gainthrough the roof for a typical day in August in central California hasbeen calculated to be about 90 percent. Further thermal benefits may beachieved through the use of a radiant barrier between the barrier andthe base or by making the base a thermally insulating base. Energysavings are also increased when the barrier is a PV module used for theproduction of energy.

The present invention is suitable for both new construction and retrofitapplications over existing roofing. In some retrofit applications, suchas when an existing roof has clay or concrete tiles, it may be best toremove portions of the existing roofing tiles.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear from thefollowing description in which the preferred embodiments have been setforth in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a simplified representation of an array of PV shingleassemblies with the shingle assemblies of one row laterally offset fromthe shingle assemblies of an adjacent row;

FIG. 1B is a simplified representation of an array of PV shingleassemblies with the shingle assemblies of one row laterally aligned withthe shingle assemblies of an adjacent row;

FIG. 2 is a simplified top isometric view of an edge-interlocking PVshingle assembly made according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a simplified bottom isometric view of the PV module andsupports of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a simplified view showing the interconnections between theU-shaped edge extensions of the bases of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5A is a simplified side view showing the interconnections betweenadjacent rows of edge-interlocking PV shingle assemblies with the topand bottom edges of the PV module being generally aligned with the topand bottom edges of the base;

FIG. 5B is a simplified side view showing the interconnections betweenadjacent rows of edge-interlocking PV shingle assemblies with the topedge of the PV module being setback inwardly of the top edge of the baseand the bottom edge of the PV module overhanging the bottom edge of thebase;

FIG. 5C is a simplified side view showing the interconnections betweenadjacent rows of edge-interlocking PV shingle assemblies with the topedge of the PV module overhanging the top edge of the base and thebottom edge of the PV module being generally aligned with the bottomedge of the base;

FIG. 6 illustrates the use of a recurved clip nailed to a supportsurface to secure interlocking edges of adjacent bases to the supportsurface;

FIG. 7 illustrates a batten seam including two upwardly extending edgessecured to a support surface by fasteners, the seam covered by aresilient, generally U-shaped batten;

FIG. 8 illustrates a standing seam type of edge joint with a clipengaging the interlocking edges, the clip being secured to theunderlying support surface by a fastener;

FIG. 9 is a simplified side view illustrating three rows ofedge-overlapping type of PV shingle assemblies including interlockingsupports that extend beyond the top and bottom edges of the PV modulesto engage the supports of the adjacent rows of PV modules;

FIG. 10 illustrates the use of a stiffening bracket at the overlapbetween the PV modules of adjacent rows of PV assemblies;

FIG. 11 is a simplified side view illustrating the use of winddeflectors at the ridge of a building and at the edge of arrays ofshingle assemblies to help promote proper airflow through the ventingregions between the barriers and the bases of the shingle assemblies;

FIG. 12 is a simplified isometric view of an edge-overlapping PV shingleassembly in which the base is a sheet of flexible, weather resistantmaterial and the PV module is shown spaced apart from the bottom edgeand the first lateral edge of the base by distances a and b;

FIG. 13 illustrates how the flexible base of the shingle assembly ofFIG. 12 may be folded over the PV module for shipping;

FIG. 14 illustrates a laterally offset array of edge-overlapping shingleassemblies;

FIG. 15 illustrates a laterally aligned array of edge-overlappingshingle assemblies;

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of an edge-overlapping shingle assemblyillustrating certain electrical connectors;

FIG. 17 is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 16 taken along line17—17;

FIG. 18 is a simplified side view illustrating two rows ofedge-overlapping type of PV shingle assemblies in which the baseincludes a water barrier mounted on top of a block of thermalinsulation;

FIG. 19 illustrates two rows of edge-overlapping type of PV shingleassemblies similar to FIG. 18 but with the PV modules in a skylight typeof arrangement;

FIG. 20 is a simplified representation of three rows of PV shingleassemblies;

FIG. 21 shows the array of FIG. 20 with the PV modules removed;

FIG. 22 is a large view of one of the bases of FIG. 21 showing a pair ofbottom support members; and

FIG. 23 is a simplified bottom isometric view of a PV module of FIG. 20showing a pair of clip-type top support members secured thereto.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to shingle assemblies that can bemounted to inclined surfaces, such as the roof of a building, with theshingle assemblies in one row being either laterally offset or laterallyaligned with the shingle assemblies in adjacent rows. FIG. 1Aillustrates an array 10 of PV shingle assemblies 12 mounted to aninclined roof 14 with the rows 16 of shingle assemblies 12 laterallyoffset from one another. FIG. 1B shows an array 18 of PV shingleassemblies 12 also mounted to an inclined roof 14 with the rows 16 ofshingle assemblies 12 laterally aligned with the shingle assemblies inan adjacent row. While the present invention will typically refer to theinclined support surface as roof 14, other inclined support surfaces,such as shed, deck, walkway covering, lattice structure, may also beused. Various embodiments of shingle assemblies will be described belowwith like elements being referred to with like reference numerals.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate an edge-interlocking PV shingle assembly 12comprising a base 20, a PV module 22 and a pair of supports 24 securingPV module 22 to the upper surface 26 of base 20. A venting region 28 isdefined between PV module 22 and base 20. The provision of ventingregion 28 provides several advantages, including moderating thetemperature of PV module 22 and reducing the amount of heat passingthrough roof 14 and into the underlying building. The efficiency ofconventional PV modules 22 can be increased by reducing the temperatureof the PV modules. Reducing the amount of heat passing into the buildingby the use of PV modules 12 can lower the air conditioning load by asignificant amount. In addition, further thermal insulation can beachieved by making base 20 of a thermal insulating material (or attachedto a thermal insulating material) and by using one or more lowemissivity elements 30, typically at the inner surface 32 of PV module22, at upper surface 26 of base 20 or at a position somewheretherebetween. Three different positions for elements 30 are suggested inFIG. 5C.

Shingle assembly 12 uses PV module 22 as its barrier. However, othertypes of barriers, such as a thermally insulating panel, could be usedinstead of PV module 22. PV module 22 may be of a conventional, commonlyavailable type, such as available from Shell Solar, BP Solar, Kyocera,Astropower, Sharp, Photowatt, or Uni-Solar, or an unconventional,specially made or adapted type of PV module.

Base 20 of shingle assembly 12 has conventional recurved edges toprovide weatherproofing and interengagement between adjacent PV shingleassemblies. Specifically, base 20 has an upwardly curving top edge 36, adownwardly curving bottom edge 38, a downwardly curving first lateraledge 40 and an upwardly curving second lateral edge 42. Each of theserecurved lateral edges is generally U-shaped. Other conventional orunconventional interengageable edges may be used as well, and recurvededges 40 and 42 could be eliminated in favor of simple overlapping ofthe lateral edges. FIG. 4 illustrates the interengagement of theinterengageable top and bottom edges 36, 38 and of first and secondlateral edges 40, 42. Note that PV modules 22, supports 24 and certainof the U-shaped edge extensions are not shown in FIG. 4 for clarity. Theinterengagement of edges 36, 38 resists disengaging forces along line44, that is along a line oriented perpendicular to edges 36, 38 andalong a plane oriented parallel to bases 20 (that is generally parallelto the roof). The interengagement of edges 36, 38 also resistsdisengaging forces along line 46, that is along a line orientedperpendicular to edges 36, 38 and along a plane oriented perpendicularto bases 20 (that is generally perpendicular to the roof). Theinterengagement of edges provides weather-resistant joints at the edgesand helps to stabilize the array against wind uplift forces byconnecting adjacent shingle assemblies to one another.

PV modules 22 may overlap in a shingled manner to permit rain to traveldown from one PV module 22 to another while not preventing the flow ofair through venting region 28. FIG. 5A illustrates an embodiment inwhich the top edge 50 of PV module 22 is generally aligned with the topedge 36 of base 20 and the bottom edge 52 of PV module 22 is generallyaligned with bottom edge 38 of base 22. However, due to theinterengagement of top and bottom edges 36, 38 of bases 20, the bottomedge 52 of an upslope PV module overlaps the top edge 50 of a downslopePV module 22. An air-permeable strip 48 may be situated along the vententry 47 to help prevent debris from entering venting region 28, whilefacilitating air flow into region 28. Strip 48 may be made from, forexample, mesh, screen, or louvered or otherwise perforated plastic ormetal sheets. Shingling of PV modules 22 can occur in other ways, suchas when, as shown in FIG.5B, top edge 50 is set back inwardly of the topedge 36 of base 20 and bottom edge 52 of PV module 22 overhangs bottomedge 38 of base 20. Also, FIG. 5C shows an embodiment in which top edge50 overhangs top edge 36 while bottom edges 52, 38 are generallyaligned. Other shingling arrangements and configurations are alsopossible. Vent entry 47 preferably has an average height of about 0.1-5cm, more preferably about 0.6-5 cm and even more preferably about0.6-1.9 cm.

Supports 24 separate PV module 22 from base 20 by an average distance ofabout 0.6 cm-10 cm, and preferably about 1.2 cm-5 cm, and morepreferably about 1.9 cm-3.8 cm. As indicated in FIGS. 5A-5C, theseparation between PV module 22 and base 20 may vary to create a taperedventing region 28. This variation in separation permits bottom edge 52of PV module 22 to overlap top edge 50 of an adjacent PV module.

Shingle assemblies 12 may be secured to roof 14 using conventional orunconventional structures and methods. One such method is shown in FIG.6 in which a clip 54, having a U-shaped, recurved end 56, engages theinterengaging top and bottom edges 36, 38 of base 20. Clip 54 is securedto roof 14, or other support surface, by a nail 58 or other suitablefastener. Adhesive may be used in addition to or instead of mechanicalfasteners.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the first andsecond upwardly extending lateral edges define a generally conventionalbatten seam 60 by which the edges interengage and are secured to theroof. Batten seam 60 includes first and second upwardly extending edges62, 64 that are secured together and to roof 14 by clips 66 and by aresilient, generally U-shaped batten 68. Clips 66 are secured to roof 14using nails 58. FIG. 8 illustrates a further alternative embodiment inwhich upwardly extending lateral edges 70, 72 define a generallyconventional standing seam. Edges 70, 72 are configured to engage oneanother with edge 72 covering edge 70; a clip 74 is secured to thesupport surface with a fastener 76 and is configured to engage the upperportion of edge 70 and to be covered by edge 72. Other types ofconventional and unconventional batten seam and standing seamconstructions may be used as well. Batten and standing seamconstructions will typically be used to join the lateral edges ofshingle assemblies; however, in some situations upwardly extending seamsmay be used to join the top and bottom edges of adjacent shingleassemblies, such as along a ridgeline of a roof. Base 20 is preferably awater resistant, or more preferably, a waterproof base. Base 20 andSupports 24 may be made of a variety of materials including metal,coated metal, plastic, ceramics, concrete, fiber-reinforced concrete,felt, bitumens, vulcanized elastomers, EPDM, polystyrene, coatedpolystyrene, neoprene, CSPE, CPE, PIB, NBE, thermoplastics, PCV and EIP.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention includingedge-overlapping PV shingle assemblies 80. Each PV shingle assembly 80includes a generally flat base 82 to which a PV module 84 is secured bysupports 86. In the embodiment of FIG. 9, supports 86 are interlockingsupports to help stabilize the shingle assemblies. FIG. 9 shows how thetop and bottom edges 88, 90 of bases 82 overlap one another to provideweather-resistant junctions. FIG. 10 illustrates anotheredge-overlapping shingle assembly in which one or more stiffeningbrackets 92 are used between the overlapping top and bottom edges 94, 96of PV module 84. Brackets 92 may be used in addition to supports 86 or,in appropriate cases, may act as the supports. Brackets 92 may comepre-attached to the barrier 84 or base 82, and may incorporate theelectrical connections when barrier 84 is a PV module.

FIG. 11 illustrates the use of deflectors 97 adjacent to the top edges50 of PV modules 22. Deflectors 97 are spaced apart from PV modules 22for proper air circulation, debris prevention, and aesthetics. The upperedges 98 of deflectors 97 are generally aligned with PV modules 22 andmay, as shown in FIG. 11, overlap the adjacent edges of PV modules 22.Deflectors 97 help reduce wind uplift forces on PV modules 22, and helpto prevent debris, such as leaves and needles, from entering the ventingregion 28. Deflectors 97 are shown along top edges 50 of PV modules 22;they may be used along all or parts of top and bottom edges 50, 52 andlateral edges 99, 100 of PV module 22. Also, Deflectors 97 may be usedwith edge-overlapping PV shingle assemblies 80 as well as theedge-interlocking PV shingle assemblies 12 illustrated in FIG. 11.Deflectors 97 may have shapes other than those shown in FIG. 11, and maybe made of solid or porous material, such as sheet metal, plastic,fiberglass, or other suitable material. Air-permeable strips 48 may beused in conjunction with deflectors 97.

FIG. 12 is a simplified view of an edge-overlapping PV shingle assembly80 including a PV module 84 mounted to a flexible base 82. Base 82 andPV module 84 have heights and widths H₁, H₂ and W₁, W₂. Width W₂ may beabout 102%-200% of width W₁ and height H₁ may be about 110%-220% ofheight H₂. Preferably, width W₂ is about 102%-150% of width W₁ andheight H₁ is about 110%-150% of height H₂. More preferably, width W₂ isabout 120%-150% of width W₁ and height H₁ is about 120%-150% of heightH₂. Lateral edge 102 of base 82 is spaced apart from lateral edge 104 ofPV module 84 by a distance b while bottom edge 90 of base 82 is spacedapart from bottom edge 96 of PV module 84 by a distance a. Preferably,distance a is about 0-5 cm and the distance b is about 3-50 mm. Morepreferably, distance a is about 0-2.5 cm and the distance b is about3-13 mm. Base 82 is, in the embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13, flexible topermit base 82 to be folded over on top of PV module 84, as suggested inFIG. 13, for transport and storage. Weather resistance between adjacentbases 82 is provided by one or more of, for example, overlap of thebases, adhesive strip on the underside of the bases (particularly nearto and parallel to the upper edge 88), or by other means. Base 82 ispreferably at least somewhat flexible or compliant and may be made froma variety of materials such as EPDM, felt, fiberglass, bitumens,vulcanized elastomers, sheet metal, coated metal, plastic, ceramics,concrete, neoprene, CSPE, CPE, PIB, NBE, thermoplastics, PCV and EIP.

FIG. 14 illustrates three edge-overlapping PV shingle assemblies 80forming a laterally offset array of edge-overlapping PV shingleassemblies 80. The order of placement of shingle assemblies 80 of FIG.14 is indicated in the figure by the indications 1st, 2nd and 3rd.Therefore, shingle assemblies 80 of FIG. 14 are mounted to the supportstructure a row at a time, as is conventional. FIG. 15 illustrates threeedge-overlapping PV shingle assemblies 80 forming a laterally alignedarray of edge-overlapping PV shingle assemblies 80. The order ofplacement of shingle assemblies 80 of FIG. 15 is also indicated in thefigure by the indications 1st, 2nd and 3rd. The order of placement ofthe second and the third shingle assemblies 80 of FIG. 15 may bereversed so that the order of placement is the same as in FIG. 14. Ascan be seen by comparing FIGS. 14 and 15, there is no difference in theweatherproofing along the overlapping lateral edges. Nor is there asignificant difference between the overlap of the top and bottom edges;the main difference is one of aesthetics.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate an edge-overlapping shingle assembly 80including a base 82 and a PV module 84. PV module 84 is supported abovebase 82 by supports 86. FIG. 16 suggests that PV module 84 includes anarray of 12 separate PV cells 106. PV cells 106 are electricallyconnected to one another through internal connections, such as suggestedby electrical conductors 108. Alternatively, as with some thin-film PVmodules, there would be no discrete PV cells 106 and no tabs 108. PVmodule 84 is electrically coupled to adjacent PV modules throughelectrical connectors 112. Whereas connectors 112 are shown as discretewires with connector ends, connectors 112 may be embedded or otherwiseintegral to either base 82, spacer 86 or PV module 84. Venting regions114 are defined between PV module 84 and base 82. Bottom edge 96 of PVmodule 84 overhangs, that is extends beyond, bottom edge 90 of base 82to permit PV modules 84 of shingle assemblies 80 of FIG. 16 and 17 to bearranged similarly to PV modules 22 of FIG. 5B. Alternatively, spacer 86may be shaped such that the top surface of PV modules 84 are co-planaracross shingle assembly 80, presenting a skylight-like appearance ratherthan a shingled appearance similar to that shown in FIGS. 9 and 19.

FIG. 18 illustrates two rows of edge-overlapping PV shingle assemblies80 similar to the assemblies of FIGS. 9 and 10. The main differencerelates to base 82. Base 82 includes a water barrier 118 overlying aninsulation block 120. The lower and upper portions 121, 123 of waterbarriers 118 have lower and upper, generally U-shaped, interengaginngregions 122, 124 which interengage to create water blocks for thesystem. Sealants and/or adhesives may be used the in addition to orinstead of regions 122, 124. FIG. 19 illustrates a further embodimentsimilar to that of FIG. 18 but with the following differences. The PVmodules 84 are aligned with edges 94, 96 spaced apart and opposite oneanother to create a skylight type of look as compared to the shinglelook of FIG. 18. Also, lower regions 122 are generally L-shaped in theembodiment of FIG. 19. The bases, such as bases 20, 82, of otherembodiments may be modified to include a thermally-insulating layer.

The PV shingle assemblies 12, 80 are typically installed as a unit.However, in some situations it may be desirable to install the base andthen the PV module or other barrier. FIGS. 20-23 illustrates such asystem. The PV modules will differ from the PV modules of FIG. 2primarily in that supports 24 comprise clip-type bottom support members126 and top support members 128. This permits bases 20 and supportmembers 126 mounted thereto to be mounted to roof 14, or other supportsurface, after which PV modules 22 may be secured to bases 20 usingbottom and top support members 126, 128. PV modules 22 may be mounted tobases 20 only after all of bases 20 have been mounted to the supportsurface, or after one or a number of bases have been mounted to thesupport surface. Various types of connecting supports other than thoseshown in FIGS. 22 and 23 may also be used. Mounting PV assemblies 22 tobases 20 after one or more of the bases have been mounted to the supportsurface has several advantages: 1) the roof can be shingled and hencewaterproofed in advance of buying and shipping the relatively expensivePV component, 2) there is better control over the security of the PVcomponent, since pre-preparation of the underlying bases would ensurethat the PV would not need to be stored for prolonged periods on theconstruction site, 3) minimizing storage of the PV component on theconstruction site would ensure that it is not damaged by workers orflying debris, and 4) installation of the bases prior to the PV wouldenable other construction trades to access areas of the roof prior to PVattachment, without danger of damaging the PV.

Modification and variation can be made to the disclosed embodimentswithout departing from the subject of the invention as defined in thefollowing claims. For example, shingle assembly 80 may consist ofbarriers 84 which may be both photovoltaic and non-photovoltaic in asingle assembly; base 82 may have barriers 84 attached in some locationswithin shingle assembly 80, while not in other locations; PV Module 84may be a flexible pv module, and support 24 may be integral to, orpreformed with, base 20 and/or barrier 32.

Any and all patents, patent applications and printed publicationsreferred to above are incorporated by reference.

1. A method for mounting shingle assemblies to an inclined surfacecomprising: selecting a shingle assembly comprising: a barrier; a base;and a connecting support for securing the barrier to the base; mountinga plurality of the bases to the support surface in a shingled manner sothat the bases of one row of bases partially overlies the bases of anadjacent row of bases; the selecting and mounting steps carried out sothat said rows of bases weatherproof that portion of the support surfacecovered thereby; and thereafter securing a plurality of the barriers tothe bases using the connecting supports to create rows of shingleassemblies defining venting regions between the barriers and the basesfor temperature regulation.
 2. The method according to claim 1 whereinthe mounting step comprises fastening the bases to the support surface.3. The method according to claim 2 wherein the mounting step is carriedout using adhesive.
 4. The method according to claim 2 wherein themounting step is carried out using fasteners configured to penetrateboth the base and the support surface.
 5. The method according to claim1 wherein the selecting step is carried out so that the base has firstand second edges, said first and second edges comprising first andsecond interengageable elements.
 6. The method according to claim 5wherein the mounting step comprises interengaging said first edge of onebase with said second edge of an adjacent base to resist first andsecond disengaging forces, said first disengaging force orientedperpendicular to said edges along a plane oriented parallel to the base,said second disengaging force oriented perpendicular to said edges alonga plane oriented perpendicular to the base.
 7. The method according toclaim 1 wherein the barrier securing step is a toolless securing stepcarried out without the use of tools.
 8. The method according to claim 1wherein the securing step is carried out so that the barriers of onesaid row of shingle assemblies overlie the barriers of an adjacent oneof said rows of shingle assemblies.
 9. The method according to claim 1wherein said selecting step comprises choosing barriers with at leastsome of the barriers comprising a photovoltaic (PV) module.
 10. Themethod according to claim 9 wherein the selecting step compriseschoosing a PV module comprising an electrical connection element. 11.The method according to claim 9 wherein the selecting step compriseschoosing an electrical connection element comprising a wire and aconnector in said venting region.
 12. The method according to claim 9wherein the selecting step comprises choosing an electrical connectionelement comprising an electrical connector formed integrally with atleast one of the PV module, base and support.